MUMBAI: Indian companies can expand their horizons in Asia now. In a first-of-its-kind decision, the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (Sarft) has relaxed controls on TV software production firms and invited private producers to showcase content independently.
Sarft officials have approved the creation of competition for content producing over and above the 155 provincial and national state-run television companies that have a monopoly at present.
Earlier, private and global TV production houses had to pay fees to the state run "partner" - something similar to the Indian system of paying telecast fees - but the state run "partner" contribution was minimal (in India, DD charges telecast fees for airing shows of private producers).
Now, global companies don't necessarily need to have a local Chinese partner; will be allowed to make a TV show independently and own copyright too. The recently announced concessions, says media analysts, are bound to create cost savings for that operate in China.
However, the content produced will be subject to stringent censorship norms specified by the Chinese government.